In an effort to increase interest and understanding of engineering fields, with particular emphasis toward transportation, the College of Engineering at Mississippi State University sponsored five Family Engineering Night events. Each of these events was arranged with personnel an elementary school and attended by families of the K-6 students in the southern part of the state or “Gulf Coast Region”. Parents and their children participated in activities that simulate the work and ideas of engineering.

Participants completed a variety of activities representing a range of engineering fields that will allow for an introduction to the work of engineers. Facilitators assisted parents in guided discussions of the role of engineers in the daily lives of the students.